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Best Bistros in SOMA

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9 restaurants available nearby

A photo of Mathilde French Bistro restaurant
1. Mathilde French Bistro
4.8
Exceptional(2449)
Price: Very Expensive
• Bistro • SOMA
Booked 6 times today
At Mathilde French Bistro, nestled in the SOMA district of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian dining comes to life, offering diners an authentic French culinary adventure. Celebrated for its "voted best in town French onion soup" and traditional delights like baked escargots and duck confit, Mathilde is a gateway to French gastronomy. Patrons consistently praise its offerings, with one declaring, "the service was impeccable, and the duck confit was perfection." Another review highlights, "From start to finish Mathilde is always 5⭐️'s." The cozy ambiance, complemented by a romantic, heated patio, ensures a year-round dining pleasure that makes every visit feel like a special occasion. This bistro not only serves excellent cuisine but also embodies the spirit of French dining with "a lovely bottle of Cotes de Beaune" to toast to an unforgettable experience.
A photo of Bon Delire restaurant
2. Bon Delire
4.6
Exceptional(108)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Financial District / Embarcadero
Booked 44 times today
Bon Délire’s chic yet approachable atmosphere draws inspiration from the cafés, lounges, and bistros of Paris. The interior boasts a sculpted horseshoe-shaped wooden bar, plush banquettes, and vibrant, European-imported furnishings that invite intimate dining and lounging. Guests can enjoy indoor seating with views of the Bay Bridge, or relax at the outdoor cafe-style seating, framed by planter boxes and umbrellas, perfect for people-watching along the Embarcadero.At night, the space comes alive with flickering projections of vintage French films and a relaxed, nostalgic soundtrack of throwback French and American tunes, making Bon Délire a sophisticated yet cozy setting for private and semi-private events.
A photo of Saison Cellar & Wine Bar restaurant
3. Saison Cellar & Wine Bar
4.5
Awesome(31)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • SOMA
Booked 17 times today
Nestled in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco, Saison Cellar & Wine Bar is a paradise for oenophiles and gourmands alike. Lauded for its "out-of-this-world good" wine list, Saison showcases an intricate collection that "leans heavily into France" while also honoring remarkable global and local Northern Californian producers. Patrons are treated to an enticing French wine bar fare, perfectly paired with a meticulously curated wine selection by Mark Bright and his team of sommeliers. The ambiance, described as classic "Saison blue," along with regular winemaker events, crafts a truly immersive experience. A patron praised, "the wine matches were paired and delivered beautifully," highlighting the exceptional quality and authenticity of Saison’s wine offerings, making it a must-visit for anyone seeking an exemplary wine bar experience.
A photo of Villon restaurant
4. Villon
4.2
Awesome(1263)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 4 times today
Nestled in the bustling heart of San Francisco's Downtown / Union Square neighborhood, Villon delights diners with its exemplary take on American cuisine, focusing on California’s rich tapestry of local and seasonal ingredients. Praised as "nothing short of exceptional" and "a perfect gem with fabulous food and drink," Villon offers a culinary experience that merges classic American dishes with inventive Californian flair. Guests rave about dishes like the "phenomenal" artichoke soup and the perfectly cooked lamb, emphasizing the restaurant's commitment to quality and creativity. The atmosphere is described as "wonderful inside," making Villon a must-visit for those seeking a top-tier dining experience in San Francisco.
A photo of Cafe de la Presse restaurant
5. Cafe de la Presse
4.5
Awesome(1911)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Downtown / Union Square
Booked 18 times today
At Cafe de la Presse, nestled in the bustling Downtown/Union Square of San Francisco, the essence of Parisian charm is vividly alive. This delightful eatery captures the spirit of French cafes, where "the food and service always dazzle" and the atmosphere invites you to linger over "the best eggs Benedict in town" or indulge in their "amazing onion soup." Patrons rave about the authentic French flair, noting it as "the most authentic feeling French restaurant" they've encountered. With accolades like "thumbs up for the Eggs Benedict" and "croissants are excellent," Cafe de la Presse stands out as a gem for those seeking a genuine taste of France in the heart of San Francisco.
A photo of Chapeau restaurant
6. Chapeau
4.7
Exceptional(3730)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Richmond District
Booked 16 times today
Immerse yourself in the delectable world of Contemporary French cuisine at Chapeau! SF, a cherished gem since 1996, located in the vibrant Richmond District of San Francisco. This esteemed bistro serves up authentic French dishes with a modern twist, earning rave reviews such as "probably the best French restaurant in San Francisco." Patrons are enamored by the cozy ambiance and the "absolutely fantastically delicious" food, highlighting favorites like the onion soup and French toast dessert. With its flexible prix fixe and à la carte menus, Chapeau! SF promises an exquisite dining experience that captures the essence of France, making every visitor feel like part of the family.
A photo of Zevi Café & Bistro restaurant
7. Zevi Café & Bistro
4.9
Exceptional(4)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • SOMA
Booked 4 times today
Zevi Café & Bistro in SOMA, San Francisco, epitomizes the charm of a quintessential Bistro with its cozy ambiance, heartwarming cuisine, and the delightful blend of local flavors. Praised for its "very authentic" dishes and "excellent food," this spot stands out with its "best club sandwich" and "delicious Turkish and Mediterranean food." Reviewers rave about the "amazing experience" and highlight the "friendly service," making every meal memorable. Whether it's the "best coffee in San Francisco" or the "tasty and huge plates," Zevi's commitment to quality and authenticity shines, making it a must-visit for anyone craving a genuine Bistro experience.
A photo of Isa restaurant
8. Isa
4.8
Exceptional(2814)
Price: Moderate
• Bistro • Marina / Cow Hollow / Presidio
Booked 7 times today
Nestled in the vibrant Marina District of San Francisco, Isa has been a beacon of exceptional bistro cuisine for over 25 years. With a consistent 4.9-star rating on OpenTable and glowing Yelp reviews, Isa stands out for its "delicious and satisfying" French fare with a Californian twist, executed under the expertise of Chef Luke Sung, a James Beard Foundation nominee. The restaurant's cozy ambiance and elegant settings, including a beautiful back patio, enhance every dining experience. Reviewers rave about the "potato wrapped sea bass" and "outstanding" service, noting dishes that "felt like fireworks in my mouth." Isa's commitment to quality and flavor, combined with a warm, knowledgeable staff, makes every visit memorable, cementing its status as a treasured local gem and a must-visit for bistro enthusiasts.
A photo of Petite Left Bank restaurant
9. Petite Left Bank
4.6
Exceptional(423)
Price: Expensive
• Bistro • Tiburon
Booked 17 times today
Petite Left Bank in Tiburon perfectly captures the essence of a traditional French café, offering an authentic experience that transports diners straight to the Left Bank of Paris. Patrons are treated to all-day delights like "the best salmon I’ve ever had" and "excellent" French pastries, croissants, and espresso. What makes Petite Left Bank truly stand out are glowing reviews praising its "wonderful" and "authentic French bistro food," and the cozy ambiance that makes you feel like "I was back in Paris!" The café's dedication to maintaining a true French vibe, coupled with their impeccable service, makes it a must-visit for anyone seeking a genuine café experience in Marin County.

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See what locals rave about

From verified diners like you
From verified diners like you
  • SharonVIP
    New Orleans / Louisiana •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined today
    Delicious food and great wine. I would definitely come back
    More info
    Saison Cellar & Wine BarPrice: Expensive• Wine Bar• SOMA
    •
    4.5
  • marie-heleneVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •118 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 2 days ago
    We are sad that Mathilde is closing down. We just had our last diner here and as always it was outstanding! Cannot wait to dine again to their sister restaurant L’Ardoise! See you soon and thank you for the amazing diner.
    More info
    Mathilde French BistroPrice: Very Expensive• French• SOMA
    •
    4.8
  • PallaviVIP
    San Francisco Bay Area •3 reviews
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    A Proper Christmas Day Brunch at San Francisco’s Proper Hotel’s Villon’s beautiful dining room 🎄❤️ Chef Jason Fox’s Dim Sum and his Milk Tea Tiramisu are beyond exquisite 😋😍 Amazing service by the staff as well ❤️ Highly recommend this experience and restaurant 😍
    More info
    VillonPrice: Expensive• Californian• Downtown / Union Square
    •
    4.2
  • Marcia
    San Francisco Bay Area •1 review
    5.0
    Dined 4 days ago
    It was a very special Christmas Eve dinner! I first heard about this restaurant when it was reviewed in the SF Chronicle 11/3/24. It was as good as it possibly could be. The food was absolutely delicious. My daughter & I ordered the steak & frites & I asked for my frites to be very crispy & for 2 dishes of aioli to dip them in & they easily accommodated me. The steak with peppercorn sauce was tender and a perfect medium rare.
    More info
    Bon DelirePrice: Expensive• French• Financial District / Embarcadero
    •
    4.6
  • MiriamVIP
    Mexico City •6 reviews
    5.0
    Dined on 27 Sept 2024
    Excellent service and great food! The ingredients were quite fresh and everything was tasty
    More info
    Zevi Café & BistroPrice: Moderate• Café• SOMA
    •
    4.9

Discover best Bistro restaurants in SOMA

Discover the charm of bistros in the vibrant SOMA district of San Francisco, an area renowned for its dynamic dining scene. As you search for the perfect bistro in this locality, you'll find a variety of establishments that cater to those looking for an authentic, cozy dining experience reminiscent of a Parisian café. These bistros typically offer a menu rich in classic French dishes, crafted with quality ingredients and traditional techniques. Whether you're in the mood for a hearty French onion soup, succulent escargots, or a perfectly prepared duck confit, the bistros in SOMA have something to delight every palate. The ambiance of these eateries is often intimate and inviting, with attention to detail that ensures a memorable dining experience. Service is noted for being attentive and personalized, reflecting the true spirit of bistro hospitality. Whether you're planning a romantic evening, a casual catch-up with friends, or a special celebration, the bistros in SOMA provide the perfect backdrop. This area's commitment to genuine bistro cuisine and a warm, welcoming atmosphere makes it a must-visit for locals and tourists alike.

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